The 2016 INSTAR selections are books that teachers should be able to access easily from public or school libraries. Even though the books are aligned with academic standards for particular grade levels, many selections can be used with a wide range of age groups. These books can be read aloud by teachers or enjoyed during independent reading time. They also can serve as reference material in the classroom. Teachers will find countless ways to integrate science with language arts and other content areas. Highlights from this year’s winners include the following:
A recent addition to Catherine and John Sill’s “About” series is ABOUT HABITATS: POLAR REGIONS. Similar to their previous books, Polar Regions contains beautifully illustrated full-page plates and a limited amount of text. Animals and plants of the Artic and Antarctic regions are succinctly presented with additional information at the end of the book.
Young readers will also be engaged by the rhythmic text and up-close photographs in RAINDROPS ROLL by April Pulley Sayre. Again, the limited text makes this a great read-aloud or independent book for young students. Sayre’s photography of water in nature provides a new perspective of raindrops.
A companion text for this could be Katharine Hall’s CLOUDS: A COMPARE AND CONTRAST BOOK. Following the theme of the precipitation component of the water cycle, Hall’s book could be used to support cloud observations and classifications. Given the increasing emphasis on incorporating non-fiction texts in primary classrooms, these books and others on the list will make excellent additions to your classroom or school library!
Sound advice comes to would-be inventors and engineers from the picture book biography, THE INVENTOR’S SECRET: WHAT THOMAS EDISON TOLD HENRY FORD. While Thomas Edison was experiencing a great deal of success as an inventor of the electric pen, the phonograph, and the electric light, Ford was experiencing nothing but failure in his attempts to create an inexpensive, gas-powered automobile. Ford traveled more than 600 miles by train to have an opportunity to ask Edison the secret to his success. Edison pondered the question, then slammed his fist on the table and exclaimed, “Keep at it!” Thus a lifelong friendship was born between the two famous inventors who both knew the power of persistence. Author and illustrator notes give wonderful insight into the research process, while timelines and resources extend the learning opportunities.
In THE CALL OF THE OSPREY, readers join three field biologists as they investigate the environmental impact of careless metal mining practices in Montana. Stunning wildlife photography and engaging scientific text bring the setting, the birds, and the research process to life. Young environmentalists will be called to action when they learn how global pollution affects all of us on this interconnected planet. Teachers can demonstrate the importance of expository text structures by highlighting captions, sidebars, endnotes, index, and glossary. The authors hope that teachers and students enjoy all of this year’s selections.